ONE of the Island’s largest and longest-running cultural events is seeking volunteers.
The Jersey Eisteddfod – which runs a performing arts festival in the autumn, with competition in languages in January and February, and a spring creative arts festival – is appealing for Islanders to get involved.
Chairman of the organisation’s executive council Michael Blackie said: “At the time of the festivals themselves – particularly the performing arts – we need a lot of stewards, people to stand up and announce competitors, and people on the doors because we provide all of that.
“And that’s often how we then get people onto our section committees because they see that it’s a happy unit and that they would like to be involved.”
Mr Blackie, himself a regular competitor for more than 40 years, said that the Eisteddfod played an important part in the culture of the Island, its activities covering a wide range of creative pursuits and helping to develop individual talent.
“Once you’ve started on the road of whatever your discipline is, you see what the challenges are and, with good tuition, you develop.
“The Eisteddfod helps give you confidence, and then it helps build that self-confidence. I think that’s as significant as anything,” he explained.
The Jersey Eisteddfod, affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals, is organised by a range of section committees which represent pursuits as diverse as needlework and rock music.
One of the newest section chairs is Rod Bryans, who took charge of photography earlier this year.
“I think it’s a marvellous event in so many ways. It allows people access to be moderated by an outside adjudicator to look at the level they are at – whether it’s in photography, which is my discipline, or whether it’s in languages, or in needlework – whatever it is.
“Someone comes in, has a look at the work and then gives comments on it. I think we are in desperate need of feedback. We all want to know where we are,” he said.
Mr Bryans said he wanted to encourage participants who, for the spring festival, had the opportunity to see their work displayed in public at the RJAHS but he acknowledged that, in the same way as the performing arts festival, that depended ultimately on volunteer support.
“It’s not hugely time-consuming. We will accommodate you. Just come in because it’s a big family and it’s a question of taking that first step. Volunteering is about taking you out.
“Perhaps you are someone at home who has just recently retired, or you may have an interest in some of the things that we are offering. Come in and help us and be part of what we are doing,” Mr Bryans said.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can learn more about the Jersey Eisteddfod at jerseyeisteddfod.org.je and can contact the administrator, Karen Dufty, at kareneisteddfod@gmail.com.
